Todd Golden downplays NBA interest after Dusty May’s move to Mavericks
By Andrew Olson
Published:
A college basketball coach with a national championship ring is heading to the NBA. But it is Michigan coach Dusty May, not Florida’s Todd Golden, making the jump to the pros.
In late April, Golden’s name came up in the NBA rumor mill when Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that the Golden State Warriors would pursue the Florida coach if Steve Kerr left his post.
Kerr, however, decided now wasn’t the time to end his Golden State tenure. In May, Kerr agreed to a new two-year deal that will have him coaching the Warriors through the 2027-28 season.
Shortly after O’Connor’s initial report, Golden addressed the speculation by telling reporters, “I plan to coach the Gators next season.”
While Florida fans were relieved that Golden wasn’t looking to make the jump in April, his latest comments will allow the Gator faithful to breathe a little easier.
Golden recently spoke to Joe Tipton of On3. When asked about May making the jump from college to the NBA, Golden made it clear that he’s not looking to do the same any time soon.
“I’m going to enjoy being at Florida for a while,” Golden told Tipton, adding that he’s in a “really good spot” at UF.
Golden arrived at Florida in 2022. He has a 103-41 record coaching the Gators, with 3 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Golden guided UF to the 2025 national championship, the third title in program history. Florida is expected to contend again in 2026-27, returning Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu and Boogie Fland from the SEC title-winning starting lineup of 2025-26.
Does Florida have another special season in store? Predict the 2027 Final Four today on Kalshi!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
